THE ORIGINS OF THE MANOR HOUSE

THE MANOR OF BEXHILL

The Manor Barn and the ruins are now all that remain of the once mighty Manor of Bexhill, arguably the most pivotal residence in the history of the Old Town, and indeed the larger resort town of Bexhill-on-Sea.

From more humble beginnings, the Manor House has stood in the centre of the Old Town for 900 years. Until its’ demolition in 1967, the building was the second oldest structure town after St Peter’s Church.

The manor of Bexhill and the hundred that it administered date back to the grant awarded by King Offa (see ‘A brief history of Bexlei’). However, the most likely foundations for the structure that came to dominate life in Old Town originates from the period following the Norman Conquest.

When Robert de Criol (son of Robert, count of Eu) was awarded the prebend of Bexhill & Bulverhythe, (recorded in the Doomsday of 1086) he built a place of residence near the Saxon church for the canons and clerics.

After mounting pressure from several successive Bishops, his son, John, Count of Eu restored the Manor of Bexhill to the jurisdiction of The Church. Thus in 1148, and under the control of the See of Chichester, the existing residence was turned into the Bishops’ Palace.

THE BISHOPS PALACE became a place of rest for the Bishops and clergy of Chichester when visiting the eastern reaches of the Diocese. The most famous visitor during this time was Richard de Wych, the 9th bishop of Chichester, who had a close association with the ancient parish.

The destructive power of great storm of 1250 (best associated with the ruin of Old Winchelsea) can still be seen today with the petrified remains of the submerged wood to the east of Galley Hill.

The oldest remains of the manor house are dated from this period in history, leading to speculation that Richard de Wych had part of the residence rebuilt following damage caused by the storm. It is also a commonly held belief that it was on a journey from the Bishops Palace to Dover, that he died in 1253.

9 years after his death, Richard was canonised by Pope Urban IV at Viterbo, Lazio. As St Richard he was later made the patron Saint of Sussex, and his connection with the parish of Bexhill is clearly marked with the stained glass window at St Peter’s and the naming of the local Catholic school in Ashdown Road.

For the next 2 centuries the Bishops Palace continued to grow in importance for the diocese, and indeed the crown.

After the Henry VI suffered losses in the Normandy territories, and had to contend with French raids and incursions along the south coast, he awarded a license in 1447 to Adam de Moleyns (31st Bishop of Chichester) to embattle the residence and enclose the manor in stone.

Richard De Wych

No evidence survives that this embattlement took place, but several arches still visible at the Manor Ruins that have been dated back to this period.

The Palace and the Manor remained under the governance of the See of Chichester until Queen Elizabeth 1, acquired the lands and handed them over to Thomas Sackville in 1590.

The Preservation Society

We are an independent, non party, non-sectarian body that supports and promotes aspects of the Old Town for public benefit.

We hope that this site will whet your appetite, encourage you to visit and perhaps join the enthusiastic band of supporters and volunteers who keep this beautiful town alive and thriving.

Our Aims

Promote high standards of planning and architecture in/or affecting the area of benefit. Educate the public in the geography, history, natural history and architecture of the Old Town.

Secure the preservation, protection, development and improvement of features of historic or public interest. Provide, maintain and support public amenities.

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By joining the Society you can help us to enhance the quality of life in our town. Would you like to be an insider at an event, instead of just looking at what is going on? We are always looking for volunteers to help with our projects throughout the year.